Policy Implications for Stock Recovery Based on Stock Assessment of Trawl Fisheries in Cameroon

Abstract

This research study seeks to address the multifaceted challenges surrounding trawl fishing in Cameroon, with a specific focus on assessing stock data to inform policy implications for stock recovery and sustainable management. The methodology adopted includes the collection of biological and economic data and performing an assessment of the Cameroon Trawl fishery. To determine the effort and catch at a sustainable level, a surplus production model, specifically the Clarke–Yoshimoto–Pooley (CYP) model based on the Gompertz growth function, is used for the analysis of fishing data (catch and effort) over the last 25 years (1998-2022). A bioeconomic model is used to estimate the Maximum Economic Yield (MEY), maximizing the economic potential of fishing. As a result, this study shows that the Cameroon government's efforts to reduce fishing efforts in trawl fishing since 2011 have had a positive effect on fish stocks and catches from these fisheries. However, to maintain sustainable trawl fishing, a policy is needed to further reduce the fishing effort to a level somewhat lower than the current one, i.e., within the Fishing Effort at Maximum Sustainable Yield (FMSY) level. Additionally, this study highlights the pressing need for updated regulations and enhanced management practices to address the challenges faced by Cameroon's fishing industry and ensure the responsible utilization and conservation of marine resources for generations to come.